AROUND 100 mobile phones were donated to a charity supporting victims of domestic abuse after an appeal in the Worcester News.

West Mercia Women’s Aid (WMWA) had asked people to donate old mobile phones to be given to women fleeing abusive homes.

Joanna Midgley, Worcestershire county manager at WMWA, said: “It’s for independence and safety reasons, they need a phone for their own security and to be able to phone for help if they need to.”

She welcomed the response since we featured the appeal for old mobiles and sim cards.

Ms Midgley said: “It’s been really good. A few have been given out at each refuge and quite a few are ready to be given out.”

“Some companies have donated anonymously and County Hall has been brilliant.”

Victims often have to leave their phones behind for safety reasons.

Ms Midgely said: “Phones can be tracked and monitored and if someone is in an abusive relationship they might not be allowed to have a phone. The questions we ask are,‘can you phone for help if you need to? Is spy ware on the phone? Is it being tracked? Sometimes we advise that they leave that phone behind."

WMWA is also asking for donations for two new projects.

Happy Holiday plans to organise a range of holiday activities for the women and children using their services.

Many clients can’t afford to enjoy fun activities with their children and donations will pay for them to be taken to places such as Dudley Zoo and to meet Santa.

Ms Midgley said: “It is important for them to have a break and to make some memories.”

The charity is also keen to raise money to refurbish their refuges as they can often be busy places that quickly show signs of wear and tear.

Case Study: Son gave me strength to leave

A WMWA user said: “WMWA helped me to leave an abusive relationship and to find strength in wanting to look for a better relationship. They have helped me to start developing my son’s life skills.

“They have helped me to feel safe, I can walk around and not worry about my ex turning up. I have got my freedom back.

“He would change all my social media passwords. He stole things from me. I had spyware on my phone and he would check what I was doing. He was very controlling, and isolated me from all of my friends.

“He didn’t like anyone else in my life, but the stalking was the main reason I didn’t feel safe.

“In a way it was hard to leave, I still had feelings for this person, but in another way it was easy. I knew I had to put my child first, and that for me, didn’t make it seem hard.

“I can now do more activities with my child. He is safe. I am safe and we are doing well.”


To help, visit:

Happy Holidays

https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/westmerciawomensaid/happyholidays

Refuge Refurb

https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/westmerciawomensaid/refugerefurb